Being away from other people, traffic, noises that clutter our minds, that's what being out in the wilderness is about. Instead we hear the sounds of nature, the sounds that are not pushed on you but part of a world we are rarely a part of.
Taking off for a run out there doesn't require an ipod, instead it only requires that you open your ears to the music of nature. And so on two days while we were there I took off on my own to enjoy God's natural world.
Running on the dirt and rocks your footsteps carry a softer sound, the cool breeze softly flows across my face as I run. I hear the birds as they flit in and out of my path, and occassionally I hear a noise in the pines around me, I am not sure I really want to know what is there. I see squirrels stocking up on pine cones for the upcoming winter, ah the beauty.
Of course as you would expect in the mountains there are hills, and I don't mean just hills, I mean HILLS and we are in high altitude that means that soon the sound of my breathing takes over as I huff and puff up the long steep hills and then at last summit. The downhill feels wonderful and again I enjoy the sounds of nature when at one point I almost step on a snake lying in the dirt sunning himself. He barely moved when I politely said "oh excuse me" and jumped to the right to avoid stepping on him. And then it's another hill this one not as long but steeper, again with the huffing and puffing, my lungs longed to fill with air! At the top of this hill I stopped, it was imperative that before I continue I catch my breath!
While taking a short rest and drinking some water I began to have this rather uncomfortable feeling, as if someone or something was watching me. Who would be out here, I was completely alone, no cars, no people, nothing and yet it was an unmistakeable feeling. I slowly begin to canvas the landscape, looking through the pines and aspens wondering if perhaps someone was hunting as it is bow season for elk and bear. Nothing. So I turn and canvas the forrest behind me...lo and behold there he is...a buck. Not a large one, an 8 point I think, he is just staring at me from behind the trees with this confused look on his face.
No doubt he is wondering what this crazy human is doing running, "running from what?", he may be wondering. I stared back at him for a few seconds (seemed longer) and then politely said goodbye and continued on. Wow, how funny I thought to myself. We are always looking for deer or elk as they are so much more fascinating when they are in the wild as opposed to munching on the golf courses in the mountains. And there he was watching me with this bewildered look about him.
My run that day was amazing with the crisp cool air, the smell of pine and aspen, the wildlife and best of all Terry waiting for me at the base of a really big hill which would have been an additional uphill mile that was not to be included in my run. I had run too far and he had come to sit by the road to wait, saving me from the pain of that last big hill. I think he wanted to be sure I wasn't too tired for fishing later.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
VACATION!!!!!
We leave for vacation today. Camping and flyfishing for an entire week...!
I ran 8 this morning and my knee felt a little tight but no pain. This is the first time I've run two days in a row in a while and so I was nervous but it was fine and I feel great.
I plan to run some while I am camping but the roads are not real good so I am not sure how much I will get to do. Yoga and swimming will have to wait, but I think all that comes with camping and fishing will be plenty.
You won't see me for a week, have a good one!
I ran 8 this morning and my knee felt a little tight but no pain. This is the first time I've run two days in a row in a while and so I was nervous but it was fine and I feel great.
I plan to run some while I am camping but the roads are not real good so I am not sure how much I will get to do. Yoga and swimming will have to wait, but I think all that comes with camping and fishing will be plenty.
You won't see me for a week, have a good one!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
"Friends" You Meet Along the Way
Well well, it's raining, has been for a week, YEA! I love the rain, my plants love the rain, our yard loves the rain, the lake loves the rain. It's wonderful. And I love running in the rain, especially when it's a nice slow rain with no lightening or thunder close by.
This morning it was raining as Terry and I went out for our run at 5:30 AM. Terry only had to do 4 but I had 6 so we ran from the square out to the airport and back and then he left and I went on and finished my last two miles. I love running with Terry, it gives us a chance to visit without interruption and distraction. Something every married couple needs.
After Terry left to go home and I was left alone I began to listen to the sounds of the rain. There are so many sounds the rain makes, or maybe more accurately the sounds the rain makes as it hits the surfaces around you. It's like a symphony, these sounds should be in competition with each other but instead they make beautiful music. I could hear the drops hitting the pavement, the drops hitting water in the curb, drops hitting tin roofs, drops hitting composite roofs, drops hitting wood, drops hitting tree leaves, grass, trash cans, cars, dirt, water running down the curbs and running down drain pipes, water running off of roofs and that is only to name a few. Once I let me mind go to really allow me to listen it was an amazing chorus of peaceful yet forceful sound that came together in wonderful harmony. I will cherise this morning and relive it's music often.
Listening intently I was a bit oblivious to my surroundings but at some point I got a whiff of the dreaded SKUNK. It was very strong and I supposed he was very close. I had my headlamp on and I began to look into the yards as I was coming up on them, assuming the skunk would be in the grass. I went about a block and the smell got heavier I knew he had to be close but I still could not see him. And then movement caught the corner of my eye, I thought a white peice of paper was floating in the gutter which by now was a small river. As I shifted my eyes to the moving object I realized it was a small skunk, and I was running right by him. And I do mean right by, 2 or 3 feet from my feet, there he was. I think he must have been drinking from the water in the gutter. Of course I jumped 5 or 6 feet to the right to get well out of his way although if he had wanted to get me it would have been done by then! All was well as he did not attempt to spray. I did, however, change my route on the way back as there is no sense in tempting fate.
This morning it was raining as Terry and I went out for our run at 5:30 AM. Terry only had to do 4 but I had 6 so we ran from the square out to the airport and back and then he left and I went on and finished my last two miles. I love running with Terry, it gives us a chance to visit without interruption and distraction. Something every married couple needs.
After Terry left to go home and I was left alone I began to listen to the sounds of the rain. There are so many sounds the rain makes, or maybe more accurately the sounds the rain makes as it hits the surfaces around you. It's like a symphony, these sounds should be in competition with each other but instead they make beautiful music. I could hear the drops hitting the pavement, the drops hitting water in the curb, drops hitting tin roofs, drops hitting composite roofs, drops hitting wood, drops hitting tree leaves, grass, trash cans, cars, dirt, water running down the curbs and running down drain pipes, water running off of roofs and that is only to name a few. Once I let me mind go to really allow me to listen it was an amazing chorus of peaceful yet forceful sound that came together in wonderful harmony. I will cherise this morning and relive it's music often.
Listening intently I was a bit oblivious to my surroundings but at some point I got a whiff of the dreaded SKUNK. It was very strong and I supposed he was very close. I had my headlamp on and I began to look into the yards as I was coming up on them, assuming the skunk would be in the grass. I went about a block and the smell got heavier I knew he had to be close but I still could not see him. And then movement caught the corner of my eye, I thought a white peice of paper was floating in the gutter which by now was a small river. As I shifted my eyes to the moving object I realized it was a small skunk, and I was running right by him. And I do mean right by, 2 or 3 feet from my feet, there he was. I think he must have been drinking from the water in the gutter. Of course I jumped 5 or 6 feet to the right to get well out of his way although if he had wanted to get me it would have been done by then! All was well as he did not attempt to spray. I did, however, change my route on the way back as there is no sense in tempting fate.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Getting Ready for Vacation
Going on vacation is exciting right? And yet the week before and the week after are pure hell. Everything goes wrong the week before and we struggle to get things taken care of before we leave. Then when we return we jump right back into the barbed wire trying to pick our way through without getting nicked with what we left undone.
Ok well maybe it's not THAT bad and well worth it!
So let's talk about the week before vacation and getting our workouts in. It doesn't seem to be enough to do what is on the plan or what your normal routine is, we tend to go overboard trying to make up for days during vacation when we either cannot or choose not to complete our workouts. I am one of those people.
Next week we go to one of our favorite places to camp and fly fish for an entire week. No showers, no cell phone, no internet...it's amazing, God's work. It does however give me nowhere to swim (trout lakes there are freezing and you can't swim in them), no yoga class, although I could do yoga by the lake and let the Indians watch me like I am a crazy person. But then it also takes away from the fishing which I really love. Running I can do, although the rocky dirt roads makes it a little tough and you don't see many people running but that's ok I can do it. Even knowing I may get my runs in I have become acustomed to working out two and three times a day, can I handle this? I have to believe that the fishing and hiking will be enough as I try not to become obsessed with "burning calories". Not to mention my logging of everything that goes in my mouth either via the computer on LiveStrong or on my iPhone and now I will have no access. OMG whatever will I do? I will have to just relax and enjoy the time away from all of this, it's just a week and I love fly fishing, love my family, love the mountains. Breathe, relax, and enjoy.
Ok I feel better, thanks for listening! As for this week it's been great. Knee is feeling good, no pain at all. YIPPEE! Today I swam, did yoga, and then did a 30 minute ab workout. WOW!
Ok well maybe it's not THAT bad and well worth it!
So let's talk about the week before vacation and getting our workouts in. It doesn't seem to be enough to do what is on the plan or what your normal routine is, we tend to go overboard trying to make up for days during vacation when we either cannot or choose not to complete our workouts. I am one of those people.
Next week we go to one of our favorite places to camp and fly fish for an entire week. No showers, no cell phone, no internet...it's amazing, God's work. It does however give me nowhere to swim (trout lakes there are freezing and you can't swim in them), no yoga class, although I could do yoga by the lake and let the Indians watch me like I am a crazy person. But then it also takes away from the fishing which I really love. Running I can do, although the rocky dirt roads makes it a little tough and you don't see many people running but that's ok I can do it. Even knowing I may get my runs in I have become acustomed to working out two and three times a day, can I handle this? I have to believe that the fishing and hiking will be enough as I try not to become obsessed with "burning calories". Not to mention my logging of everything that goes in my mouth either via the computer on LiveStrong or on my iPhone and now I will have no access. OMG whatever will I do? I will have to just relax and enjoy the time away from all of this, it's just a week and I love fly fishing, love my family, love the mountains. Breathe, relax, and enjoy.
Ok I feel better, thanks for listening! As for this week it's been great. Knee is feeling good, no pain at all. YIPPEE! Today I swam, did yoga, and then did a 30 minute ab workout. WOW!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Weird Wedding and Rain
Forgive me if I misspell, I can't find the spell check, did it dissapear?
It strikes me as interesting how much we as runners enjoy running in the rain. Not the storm type rain, a nice solid rain or nice thick mist that somehow makes you feel as if you are invincible. It is something that people who do not do outdoor activities simply don't understand and so they stay at home and call us idiots. Well that is ok with me, I like being one of the weirdos!
This weekend we went to Austin to see the kids and ran the "Keep Austin Weird" 5k. Terry and I ran with Taryn and her fiance Ben. Neither of them run so we decided to stay together and run/walk and enjoy watching the people who were dressed up. We did the untimed version and so there was no self imposed pressure to really run. How much fun! Not only was it a fun thing for the four of us to do together it was hysterical to watch the costumes people came up with. And all in the pouring rain which only added to the fun. Tanner rode his bike down to watch and cheer for us, he said he just can't run unless it's to run hard, he has not gotten out of his cross country mode I suppose.
After the race we went back to the hotel to change into some dry clothes had a free breakfast at the Hampton. The boys went to hang out at Whole Earth and REI while Taryn and I went about finding her a wedding dress.
For those of you who have daughters, start saving now. While you can find relatively less expensive dresses it's tough to find a really nice one for under $1000 unless you get lucky and find it on sale. We looked at several different places and found the perfect dress. Wow. She looks beautiful. I didn't get to emotional until they put a veil on her and then it hit me. She really is going to get married!
On Sunday Terry and Tanner went to the San Marcos river and canoed and fished. I got up early and ran 7 at Town Lake. There is something about running in Austin. It is really amazing the number of people who get outside and run, bike, do yoga, swim, you name it. Austin is a unique place and I love running there. It was cool, misty, muddy, and a fantastic run! I ran by the Barton Springs pool (a pool that is fed by a spring going into the river) lots of people were out swimming, no doubt some training for a tri. Some day I want to swim in that pool. The skullers were out, the UT team and the recreational, something else I want to do someday. It's a great place to be. And best of all my knee feels good, no pain at all.
Then it was off to the Bridal Extravaganza with Taryn (after breakfast at Magnolia Cafe). Lots of vendors and some great ideas. Unfortunately everything comes with a hefty price tag, at least now we can really put together a budget and see if we can stick to it. Wish us luck with that!
It strikes me as interesting how much we as runners enjoy running in the rain. Not the storm type rain, a nice solid rain or nice thick mist that somehow makes you feel as if you are invincible. It is something that people who do not do outdoor activities simply don't understand and so they stay at home and call us idiots. Well that is ok with me, I like being one of the weirdos!
This weekend we went to Austin to see the kids and ran the "Keep Austin Weird" 5k. Terry and I ran with Taryn and her fiance Ben. Neither of them run so we decided to stay together and run/walk and enjoy watching the people who were dressed up. We did the untimed version and so there was no self imposed pressure to really run. How much fun! Not only was it a fun thing for the four of us to do together it was hysterical to watch the costumes people came up with. And all in the pouring rain which only added to the fun. Tanner rode his bike down to watch and cheer for us, he said he just can't run unless it's to run hard, he has not gotten out of his cross country mode I suppose.
After the race we went back to the hotel to change into some dry clothes had a free breakfast at the Hampton. The boys went to hang out at Whole Earth and REI while Taryn and I went about finding her a wedding dress.
For those of you who have daughters, start saving now. While you can find relatively less expensive dresses it's tough to find a really nice one for under $1000 unless you get lucky and find it on sale. We looked at several different places and found the perfect dress. Wow. She looks beautiful. I didn't get to emotional until they put a veil on her and then it hit me. She really is going to get married!
On Sunday Terry and Tanner went to the San Marcos river and canoed and fished. I got up early and ran 7 at Town Lake. There is something about running in Austin. It is really amazing the number of people who get outside and run, bike, do yoga, swim, you name it. Austin is a unique place and I love running there. It was cool, misty, muddy, and a fantastic run! I ran by the Barton Springs pool (a pool that is fed by a spring going into the river) lots of people were out swimming, no doubt some training for a tri. Some day I want to swim in that pool. The skullers were out, the UT team and the recreational, something else I want to do someday. It's a great place to be. And best of all my knee feels good, no pain at all.
Then it was off to the Bridal Extravaganza with Taryn (after breakfast at Magnolia Cafe). Lots of vendors and some great ideas. Unfortunately everything comes with a hefty price tag, at least now we can really put together a budget and see if we can stick to it. Wish us luck with that!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Running with Garbage
Interesting title isn't it? So here's the story. Today is a beautiful day. The morning was cool, no wind, the birds were singing, simply a great day to run. I head out to walk 1 and run 5 and I've decided to run from the house down a bit of the highway, through a very nice division with 2 acre lots and huge homes, and then down the road to the winery. The traffic is very light in these areas (with exception of the stretch of highway), it's quiet, not many people up and stirring, and a few but not many dogs to bark at you behind their fences. I love this route because of the peace it offers. It also offers some nice but not too hard hills so it's a bit challenging but not overly frustrating.
The first part was perfect, enjoyable, refreshing, invigorating. Running past the large homes is always fun, they are so pretty and with acreage they offer more than your typical neighborhood where homes butt up against each other.
Then it's off to the winery road. All started out great, nice and quiet, cool weather, and then...I hear it. The low grinding of the gears, the roar of the deisel engine, the squeak of breaks...behind me the garbage truck approaches...NO I cry inside, not this morning, not now! And yet here it came slowly catching me.
Now on this road as you are running north there is only pasture and trees on the right but homes on my left. The truck picks up on the right so it has to go all the way to the homes on the right and then turn and come back to get those trash cans that are on my left at this point. "Good" I think, I won't have to put up with it for long!
The truck grinds past and all of a sudden the aroma encircls my head, I can almost see it's wrotten green/brown color is it dances in my nose. It's the smell of wrotten meat, soured milk, molded cheese, soiled diapers, all mixed together. I try not to breathe, but I am running so I really have no choice. "AHHHHH" I scream inside. But the truck has gone on and soon the aroma fades. And so I run until it's time for me to turn around to head back home. And then I hear it again, like some big monstor just waiting for me to turn so it can fill me with dread once again.
It is coming back to get the trash on what is now the right side of the road going south. Sure enough it catches me only to stop right in front of me to pick up a can and I have to run past it, again the aroma, it's as if it sees me and rushes to catch me as I'm trying to hold my breath. And then I am past the truck, but then it has to move on to the next can and so again it catches me, over and over this happens until finally the job is done and the truck is moving on to the highway. Sigh, holding my breath while running has taken it's toll. I stop to take a drink as the truck pulls out and from the window I get a friendly wave. I wave back doing my best to smile.
I know the man behind the wheel was not happy about ruining my peaceful run, I could see it in his wave. I think to myself, what a job! And yet he has one, and an important one. So I finished my run, it ended up being a good run in the end as I made my way home with no more intrusion, and no pain in my knee...ah a great run once again!
The first part was perfect, enjoyable, refreshing, invigorating. Running past the large homes is always fun, they are so pretty and with acreage they offer more than your typical neighborhood where homes butt up against each other.
Then it's off to the winery road. All started out great, nice and quiet, cool weather, and then...I hear it. The low grinding of the gears, the roar of the deisel engine, the squeak of breaks...behind me the garbage truck approaches...NO I cry inside, not this morning, not now! And yet here it came slowly catching me.
Now on this road as you are running north there is only pasture and trees on the right but homes on my left. The truck picks up on the right so it has to go all the way to the homes on the right and then turn and come back to get those trash cans that are on my left at this point. "Good" I think, I won't have to put up with it for long!
The truck grinds past and all of a sudden the aroma encircls my head, I can almost see it's wrotten green/brown color is it dances in my nose. It's the smell of wrotten meat, soured milk, molded cheese, soiled diapers, all mixed together. I try not to breathe, but I am running so I really have no choice. "AHHHHH" I scream inside. But the truck has gone on and soon the aroma fades. And so I run until it's time for me to turn around to head back home. And then I hear it again, like some big monstor just waiting for me to turn so it can fill me with dread once again.
It is coming back to get the trash on what is now the right side of the road going south. Sure enough it catches me only to stop right in front of me to pick up a can and I have to run past it, again the aroma, it's as if it sees me and rushes to catch me as I'm trying to hold my breath. And then I am past the truck, but then it has to move on to the next can and so again it catches me, over and over this happens until finally the job is done and the truck is moving on to the highway. Sigh, holding my breath while running has taken it's toll. I stop to take a drink as the truck pulls out and from the window I get a friendly wave. I wave back doing my best to smile.
I know the man behind the wheel was not happy about ruining my peaceful run, I could see it in his wave. I think to myself, what a job! And yet he has one, and an important one. So I finished my run, it ended up being a good run in the end as I made my way home with no more intrusion, and no pain in my knee...ah a great run once again!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Bike Rally and NO PAIN
Terry was out of town so Saturday morning I slept in a bit and then went to run at 8:15. Wandering through the streets of the square I found that they were setting up for the Warriors of Christ Bike Bash. Harleys EVERYWHERE! I have to say it was really cool to run through the streets with bikes parked one after the other on both sides, I felt like I was running through a show room for the best bikes in Texas! Very cool. It's always fun to catch a festival when it's just setting up and everyone is starting to arrive. The mood is electric, very motivating.
The run went well. I ran 6 miles with no pain. And no swelling afterward! I'm feeling good again and I just hope it lasts.
The run went well. I ran 6 miles with no pain. And no swelling afterward! I'm feeling good again and I just hope it lasts.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Long Time no Write
I have been informed by a loyal follower that I do not update often enough. I apologize to you, my friend (and any others there may be who follow my blog).
I am making a vow to update more often, at least once a week if not more often.
Running is going well, as you know I was forced to go back to building up again after the kickball game. Bummer...this knee thing is REALLY pissing me off.
I have been swimming at least twice a week sometimes more, yoga twice a week, elliptical on swim days, and lifting once a week and then running 4 days a week. As much as I hate being hurt and having to continually do rehab, I have found that cross training is wonderful. And my body has changed, more muscular, a few pounds down, and much stronger. A blessing in disguise.
Let's talk about swimming. It's still difficult for me but getting easier. When I was in Colorado Springs last week I had a wonderful swimming experience. Staying at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort is wonderful because with your stay you get access to all of their wonderful facilities. They have a great work out facility complete with trainers and classes, and a great aquatic facility with an Olympic size pool and a 25 meter indoor pool. Having been swimming now for awhile I mistakenly thought swimming in a 50 meter Olympic pool would be relatively easy. I failed to keep in mind that the pools here are 25 yards and 20 yards, not quite 50 meters I tell ya.
First of all this pool is beautiful! Clean water, right by the little lake, under the majestic cloud laden mountains...Wow, breathtaking. But when I walked out and saw how far 50 meters really is, well it's a little overwhelming. And yet I was able to do it! Granted I had to stop at each 50 and rest (high altitude gets you when you are swimming too) but I did my entire workout, 45 minutes in an Olympic pool in a beautiful setting. Wow I felt refreshed, amazed, awed with God's work.
Back home the city pool has closed for the winter so it's back the the Y to swim. It's OK, but it's 20 yards, dark, too much chlorine. But my friends are there at 6 AM and we swim...so it's OK, I enjoy my friends.
Yoga is amazing, I am so much stronger and flexible, I can't live without yoga, spiritual, physical, mental, it's much more than just stretching. I am astonished at how much I have changed because of this practice.
And running is coming along and I am feeling better and better. My training for the Vegas half starts next week. It will be nice to be training for a race again I am looking forward to the season. Hopefully injury free :)
Now you are caught up...more to follow
I am making a vow to update more often, at least once a week if not more often.
Running is going well, as you know I was forced to go back to building up again after the kickball game. Bummer...this knee thing is REALLY pissing me off.
I have been swimming at least twice a week sometimes more, yoga twice a week, elliptical on swim days, and lifting once a week and then running 4 days a week. As much as I hate being hurt and having to continually do rehab, I have found that cross training is wonderful. And my body has changed, more muscular, a few pounds down, and much stronger. A blessing in disguise.
Let's talk about swimming. It's still difficult for me but getting easier. When I was in Colorado Springs last week I had a wonderful swimming experience. Staying at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort is wonderful because with your stay you get access to all of their wonderful facilities. They have a great work out facility complete with trainers and classes, and a great aquatic facility with an Olympic size pool and a 25 meter indoor pool. Having been swimming now for awhile I mistakenly thought swimming in a 50 meter Olympic pool would be relatively easy. I failed to keep in mind that the pools here are 25 yards and 20 yards, not quite 50 meters I tell ya.
First of all this pool is beautiful! Clean water, right by the little lake, under the majestic cloud laden mountains...Wow, breathtaking. But when I walked out and saw how far 50 meters really is, well it's a little overwhelming. And yet I was able to do it! Granted I had to stop at each 50 and rest (high altitude gets you when you are swimming too) but I did my entire workout, 45 minutes in an Olympic pool in a beautiful setting. Wow I felt refreshed, amazed, awed with God's work.
Back home the city pool has closed for the winter so it's back the the Y to swim. It's OK, but it's 20 yards, dark, too much chlorine. But my friends are there at 6 AM and we swim...so it's OK, I enjoy my friends.
Yoga is amazing, I am so much stronger and flexible, I can't live without yoga, spiritual, physical, mental, it's much more than just stretching. I am astonished at how much I have changed because of this practice.
And running is coming along and I am feeling better and better. My training for the Vegas half starts next week. It will be nice to be training for a race again I am looking forward to the season. Hopefully injury free :)
Now you are caught up...more to follow
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